Mediterranean Diet - Food Pyramid, Eating Plan, Food Guide

The Mediterranean diet has an intense anti-inflammatory effect.
The diet appears to be effective via improved lipid profile and reductions in insulin resistance or blood pressure, or both.

Benefits of adopting the Mediterranean Diet appear relatively quickly (at 3 months) for lowering blood pressure and changes in the lipid profile in the blood.
Modifications in the inflammatory response, tested using bio-markers, appear about 12 months after people adopt the Mediterranean Diet.

Health authorities around the world have proclaimed this diet as a healthy weight control diet, that also reduces the risk of disease and improves lifestyle and
future health prospects in the longer term.

Key Components of a Mediterranean Diet

► Eating less meat and more plant-based whole foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts

► Eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, averaging six or more servings a day, and eat some fruit and vegetables at every meal.

► Not reducing fat intake, but replacing butter and margarine with olive oil and consuming more healthy fat from seafood and nuts. The Mediterranean diet is low in hydrogenated oils (trans fats) and saturated, both of which contribute to heart disease and other health problems.

► Reducing salt intake and using fresh herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor and season foods

► Eating more nuts, are rich in fat, but most of the fat is healthy types.

► Drinking red wine in moderation (optional) and lots of plain water

► Being more active and enjoying meals with family and friends.

Tips for Changing to a Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Food Pyramid and Plate (see image) provide guidance on the relative proportions of the various food groups. Whole grains share the base with vegetables and fruit, rather than being in a separate layer, which is shown in some Mediterranean diet pyramid versions. Nuts, herbs and spices are shown as a supplementary layer to provide flavor to dishes and reduce the amount of added salt.

The best tips for adopting a Mediterranean Style diet are:

► Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit by including both of them in every meal. Eat fruit and vegetables snacks instead of processed carbohydrates such as cookies and cakes.

► Switch to whole grains for all carbohydrates such as bread and cereal. Eat more whole-grain pasta and rice products. Eliminate processed carbohydrates from your diet

► Eat more nuts and seeds, which are good sources of fiber, healthy fats and vegetable protein. Eat dried fruit with almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews, pistachios, pumpkin seeds and walnuts as snacks. Try using blended sesame seeds (tahini) for making dips, spreads or sauces.

► Eat more pulses such as chick peas and lentils in dishes such as dahl. Peas, beans and pulses are rich in fiber and protein. The fats they contain are the healthy types.

► Use olive or canola oil as a healthy replacement for butter or margarine. Lightly drizzle olive oil over vegetables to add more flavor and richness.

► Use fresh herbs and spices to boost the taste of food and reduce the need for salt and fat in recipes.

Mediterranean Diet Pyramid
Source: Original Image - Dr John Anderson
The Mediterranean version of MyPlate
Source: Original Image - Dr John Anderson
Fresh fruit and vegetables are the highest component in the Mediterranean Diet, eaten at every meal
Source: Original Image - Dr John Anderson
Fresh oily fish and seafood are used to replace red meat in the Mediterranean Diet. Processed meats should be avoided. Choose poultry instead.
Source: Original Image - Dr John Anderson
Beans, peas and pulses are rich in protein and fiber and are key components of the Mediterranean diet
Source: Original Image - Dr John Anderson
Fresh local produce and with plenty of variety provides the basis of a healthy Mediterranean diet
Source: Original Image - Dr John Anderson
Dishes with fish, herbs, vegetables and natural spices and flavors are a good way to used Mediterranean food ingredients in your diet
Source: Original Image - Dr John Anderson
The Mediterranean diet is advocated around the world for healthy hearts, a powerful immune system and a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the body in 3-12 months.
Source: Original Image - Dr John Anderson